From shower curtains to mouse pads, pillows to planters, there seems to be no end to the designs. Wildly colorful and quirky for some, but deeply meaningful for others, the decor scheme has become increasingly popular. According to the National Retail Federation, consumers are expected to spend a record $9.1 billion on items related to October fun. Candy and costume purchases, of course, top the list, but not far behind are home and party decorations. Halloween may mean monster sales, but Day of the Dead (celebrated November 1 and 2) is coming on strong.

The observance dates to the ancient Aztecs, but also has ties to All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. It represents a time to remember loved ones and traditions. For many, it’s become a holiday of sorts no matter their ancestry and the home furnishings industry has noticed.

“Pier 1 Imports began offering decorative items to help our customers celebrate and observe Dia de los Muertos a few years ago. Just like with other seasonal events and holidays, we add, refresh and refine our assortment of Dia de los Muertos products to help our customers find everything they need to create a curated, customized look for their homes,’’ said Katelyn Carroll, Pier 1 Imports media relations specialist.

This year, the company’s Dia de los Muertos assortment includes bright colors, glitter and hand-beaded details. “Sugar skulls or Calaveras have become iconic Day of the Dead decorations. We also offer tabletop items, including beaded table runners adorned with bright flowers and festive drink ware to help our customers celebrate with others during this important time,’’ Carroll said.

Some homes celebrate Halloween while others opt for Day of the Dead, but there are those who do a bit of both.

For Frank and Cathy Garcia of Claremont, the observance is personal. Both build altars remembering loved ones who have passed. The latest one contains photos, marigolds, votive candles, an ear of corn and miniature figurines with birds. But their home is filled with art objects, many depicting scenes from Day of the Dead, that remain up all year.

Artistry runs in the family. Cathy is a noted artist who works in mosaics. Her son, Rob Ribar, painted a skeleton mural over their patio door entryway. The Garcias have more of his works framed and displayed throughout their home. And Frank Garcia is co-curator of the 15th annual exhibit, “Aztlan: A Sense of Place,’’ at the dA Gallery in downtown Pomona through January.

The exhibition is part of the Getty’s “Pacific Standard Time: LA/LA,’’ an exploration of Latin American and Latino art in dialogue with Los Angeles. As part of that show, Celebration de los Muertos y los Vivos on Nov. 5, will recognize and honor dearly departed loved ones and role models. It will include an interactive altar and crafts.

“This is a way to honor your ancestors,” Cathy said. “Dia de los Muertos helps you stop to think about them, their lives, what meals they cooked. Celebrations aren’t meant to be spooky or sacrilegious. I think it’s a beautiful idea.’’

Hand-crafted Items

Novica in Santa Monica offers traditional Day of the Dead themed works from various artisans. The company, in association with National Geographic, offer these products throughout the world year-round and the artists who make them directly benefit from sales Dia de los Muertos items include intricately sculpted boxes and napkin rings, candelabra, statues and paintings. novica.com

DIY Advice

Those wanting to make Day of the Dead works for their homes can find easy projects in “Day of the Dead: 20 Creative Projects to Make for Your Party of Celebration,’’ (Barrons,$12.99) by Paula Pascual and Rebecca Woods. It includes detailed advice on how to create a respectful decorated altar with flor de muerto (marigold paper pom-poms); calaveras (sugar skulls); and lovely wreaths and tablecloths. “Day of the Dead Origami” (Barrons, $12.99) combines the arts and cultures of two communities in its 20 paper-sculpting projects suitable for parties or everyday.

“Storytellers: A Dia de Los Muertos Celebration:’’ The Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach hosts a night of storytelling with music, art and altars. There will be a cash bar, vendors and exhibitions. Tickets are $35 or $28 for members. Oct. 21, 7-11 p.m. 628 Alamitos Ave., Long Beach. 562-437-1689. molaa.org/events/storytellers-dia-de-los-muertos-celebration/

L.A. Dia de Los Muertos: Learn more about the celebration through exhibits, presentations and other activities from noon to midnight. Tickets $20, adults; after 4 p.m. admission is free for children 8 years old and younger and seniors. Oct. 28. Hollywood Forever Cemetery, 6000 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood. ladayofthedead.com

Suzanne Sproul is a lucky wife and proud mom of two great daughters. She’s a transplanted Snow Bird from Chicago who prefers warm climates, particularly central Florida and its beautiful Gulf Coast and Southern California, where she’s lived most of her life. The University of Florida J-school graduate has been a city reporter and features editor, but has spent the past 27 fun years covering stories she loves -- features about SoCal’s diverse and trendy homes+gardens and eclectic arts/entertainment along with her weekly column about the good people of the Inland Empire. When she’s not filing stories, you can find her gardening at home, biking with her husband, jumping around in Zumba class, organizing family adventures – digging for hanksite clusters at the Gem-o-Rama in Trona, anyone? – or rooting for favored sports teams. I’m looking at you USC Trojans, University of California Davis Aggies, University of Florida Gators and those loveable Chicago Cubs, World Champions 2016. Life really is good!

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